Definition

A heavy block made of iron or steel that has a flat top, used by blacksmiths and metalworkers to shape and forge metal by hammering it.

Example

The blacksmith carefully shaped the hot metal on the anvil.

Conversation

I saw a blacksmith working at the fair yesterday.

That's cool! Did he have an anvil?

Yeah, it was huge and he was hammering metal on it.

I can imagine how loud that must have been!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'anvil' originates from Old English 'anfilt' or 'anvil', which means a tool used by blacksmiths for shaping metal. The term is derived from Proto-Germanic '*anvilaz', which also refers to a similar tool used in metalworking.

Memory Tip

Think of the Old English word 'anfilt' as a tool for shaping metal, helping you remember that an anvil is a blacksmith's essential tool.

Visually Confused Words